writing to get through

Category Archives: Life Lessons

Psalm 19

The heavens are telling the glory of God, And their expanse is declaring the work of his hands.

Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words, Their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world.

In them he has placed a tent for the sun,

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber. It rejoices as a strong man to run his course,Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them,

And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

This powerful song written by the flawed king, David, describes an approach to life where each day is met with the vigor of a bridegroom who has awakened after a night of lovemaking, pleasure and intimacy. Instead of being tired and depleted, he is eager to run through the course of the day’s challenges.

Do you, like many of us, face your hectic day driven by the failures of the day before, measured by your accomplishments, haunted by your lack of them?

Does that describe your morning? Or do you, like many of us, face your hectic day driven by the failures of the day before, measured by your accomplishments, haunted by your lack of them? Is there a list that is as real as the crack of a whip on your back making you bleed? Have you had a chance to get to know your life, or is it more like sexual assault – all about power and control, conquering and moving to the next?

What if we learn to make love to our lives?

The path to lovemaking begins with arousal. Your senses are heightened by the voice of your lover, and you begin to see with new eyes. You notice everything about him, the shape of his face, the grace of movements, his lips, shoulders, eyes. You start to feel at home and present with him.

Next comes a willingness to explore. To feel his contours, to touch here, press there, and learn how to give pleasure. There is a fragility here. Mistakes are made, it may not turn out as you wished but you giggle and keep learning, keep reaching, keep tasting. And you are intentional and in the moment.

At some point you become vulnerable to be on the receiving end. Naked trust enters into it. A leap of faith based on a mix of familiarity and the wonder of the unexpected. Let yourself feel and your mind float. The ancient dance plays out.

The aftermath is satisfaction. A deep and enduring awareness that you have been loved and you have loved another. Not rushed, not used, not abused, not assaulted.

You only have one life. What do you know about it?

You only have one life. What do you know about it? What are you learning about yourself? What choices and convictions do you bring to the day? Do your actions spring from love or from fear? Are you intentional and present in your life? Do you feel alive?

For years and years I had my own agenda. I did not listen to the voice of heaven, did not hear the glory, did not feel the heat of the bridegroom day after day. But I’m listening now. I’m learning how to be gentle and careful and passionate and loving and forgiving to my own life.